Ever By My Side Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Dr. Nick Trout and our BookBrowse Review of Ever By My Side.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

A modern James Herriot, Dr. Nick Trout has captivated pet lovers with his bestselling tales from the frontlines of veterinary medicine. now Dr. Trout takes us behind the scenes with tales from his own life as a pet lover, and the dogs and cats that shaped his world. From his English boyhood to his career and marriage in the united States, Dr. Trout introduces us to the memorable furry friends who helped him through some especially difficult times, including his daughter's diagnosis with a serious illness. through poignant recollections, Ever By My Side captures the journey of a man who followed his heart and devoted his life to healing animals, while letting them heal him in return.

Heartwarming and inspiring, Ever By My Side celebrates the special joy that comes from a beloved pet. We hope that the following questions will enhance your reading group's experience of this moving memoir.

Discussion Questions

1. Dr. Trout begins by describing his earliest experiences with dogs - his maternal grandmother's toy poodle, Marty, and his paternal grandmother's dalmatian, cleo. What do these scenes reveal about the way humans and animals reject or accept each other?
   


2. What did Dr. Trout's parents teach him about being a parent (including being the "parent" of a pet)?
   


3. Dr. Trout describes Patch as his father's kindred spirit. What made this German shepherd perfectly suited to father and son in this case?
   

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Broadway Books. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.